North America Distribution

Facts

Prairie redroot is a handsome, small shrub in the buckthorn family. It is considered endangered in Vermont, whereas some introduced populations occur in eastern Massachusetts. It produces rounded inflorescences of white flowers, which mature into triangular, black fruits. The fruit bases remain after the fruits have fallen. This shrub forms relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which help it grow.

Habitat

Meadows and fields, shores of rivers or lakes

Characteristics

Habitat

terrestrial

New England state

Massachusetts

Vermont

Growth form

the plant is a shrub (a woody plant with several stems growing from the base)

Leaf type

the leaf blade is simple (lobed or unlobed but not separated into leaflets)

Leaves per node

there is one leaf per node along the stem

Leaf blade edges

the edge of the leaf blade has teeth

Leaf duration

the leaves drop off in winter (or they wither but persist on the plant)